Table Talk • July 29, 2026
An update to the AKC Rules Applying to Dog Shows is being discussed by the AKC Delegate Rules Subcommittee. It would outline the responsibilities of an exhibitor entering a dog. The proposed rule would prohibit an exhibitor from entering a dog under that exhibit’s breeder or co-breeder. (See Caroline Coile’s article in our July issue - https://bt.e-ditionsbyfry.com/publication/?i=867164&p=206&view=issueViewer). Some of you may question why this rule is necessary. Why would an exhibitor put themselves, or the judge, in this very awkward position? To me, it is a lose/lose situation.
If a judge is asked to pass judgment on a dog they may or may not know they bred, they are placed in a bad position. If they put the dog up, their ethics may be questioned. If they do not put the dog up, fanciers may question their faith in their own breeding program. The responsibility lies with the exhibitor. They know who bred their dog, and they know who is judging.
Most fanciers would not want to put their breeder in this awkward situation, but sadly, there are those who would. Does this create the need for another rule? As someone who learned this lesson the hard way, I believe this is a situation that does warrant documented guidance.
Many years ago, I was campaigning a top hound in a very tight race. One of the Hound Group judges at a show we decided to attend was the breeder of another hound that was also being campaigned. When we made our entries, we didn’t think this would be an issue. Surely that dog would not be shown to its breeder. We were wrong. When we arrived at the show and realized that dog was entered, we thought, surely, they won’t show in the group today. Wrong again. That dog was shown; it won the group, and our dog was second. So, I support the rule change. What are your thoughts? As mentioned in Caroline’s article, please send comments to the head of the Delegate Rule Subcommittee, Nancy Amburgey at Lopat@aol.com.
At its July meeting, the AKC Board voted to amend the requirements for examination of entries in the Group or Best In Show. It reads, “Effective July 29, 2026, Group and Best In Show Judges will no longer be required to re-examine exhibits they judged earlier at the same event at the breed level for disqualifications, and to check for two normally descended testicles in male dogs. Judges will be required to continue to individually gait all exhibits in the group, including those that they examined earlier. While, prior to this rule, many judges have done a cursory exam of dogs they judged earlier in the day, they will no longer have to do so.” The first communication sent by AKC eliminated a simple word “they” and the communication had to be re-sent. I hope AKC starts to utilize its very able Communications Sub-Committee, and has them review all communications prior to being released.
Mark and Pam Desrosiers (and their son Josh) are celebrating their 27th Wedding Anniversary in style by exploring Iceland on a Viking Cruise! Thanks so much for sharing such wonderful photographs of what looks like a bucket-list experience, indeed! Best wishes for many more years and adventures ahead.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Terri Giannetti, JoAnne Lionetti Gerow, Stuart McGraw, Karen Coffey, Lisa Bettis, Glen Lajeski, and Dale Kaplan. May this next trip around the sun be your best yet!
This week I offer words of advice that I, for one, will follow. When you can’t control what’s happening, challenge yourself to control the way you respond to what’s happening. That’s where your power is.
Be safe out there, my friends. Remember to check on your dogs frequently. I look forward to seeing those of you who will be joining us at Canfield. Reach out to me. Let’s Table Talk! Until next time…
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